Students Return from MMUN in New York City

Posted: April 8, 2014

Many congratulations to Oak Meadow's 2014 Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) team that spent last weekend representing Oak Meadow as UN delegates in New York City.

Being a member of the MMUN team is an extensive academic commitment. Assigned to represent the country of South Sudan, 6 Middle School students began preparing for the MMUN Conference in January. Under the guidance of Middle School teacher Barbara Orlowitz, the students met every Thursday and Saturday to research and work collaboratively on resolutions for global issues. The team even had an opportunity to interview an international resource via Skype, Makarand Sahasrabuddhe, who works with Oxfam and spent time in South Sudan. Each member of the team ultimately wrote a position paper focused on a specific topic to be presented in New York City.

Using actual UN protocol, each student spoke about their topics and debated issues in caucuses, collaborating with students from all over the world including those from China, Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Draft resolutions were written at the conference and then voted upon. The resolutions that were passed according to vote became resolutions that will be presented at the actual UN.

"Each year I'm so impressed with how well our students do. They question, they reflect, they observe, and they get involved. Through the process, they learn so much and this experience widens their view of people, conflict, and cultures beyond their own community. They are an inspiration to me" said Orlowitz.

Throughout the weekend of collaborating, students formed friendships with other Montessori students from around the world,and made connections that will last a lifetime. In addition to the very intensive UN experience, the students had an opportunity to enjoy some down-time in the city. They visited Times Square and saw Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and even mustered up the energy for some midnight shopping in the city!